The Role of the Innate Immune System in Childhood Asthma Development

The aims of this project are:

1. Analyse gene expression of Toll-like receptors TLR2 and TLR4, and of CD14 in blood samples collected from 250 farmers infants and 250 control infants.
2. Analyse cell surface expression of TLR2, TLR4 and CD14 in blood samples from the same population using flow cytometry.
3. Assess whether expression of these receptors at either gene or cell surface is associated with farm and/or endotoxin exposure.
4. Assess which particular cell populations in blood show modulation of TLR2, TLR4 and CD14 due to farm/endotoxin exposure.
5. Assess whether expression of these receptors is associated with TH2 activity, allergies and symptoms of asthma.